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Co-op Funeral Workers on Brink of Powerful Victory.

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Date / 2nd December 2004

The GMB – Britain’s General Union – is balloting Co-operative Funeralcare workers on an improved pay offer, which will be backdated to January 12th 2004.

The Co-op’s decision to make the improved offer to low-paid staff comes after persistent strike action by GMB and T&G members, backed up by email and letter-writing campaigns co-ordinated by the GMB CAnnualised contracts to be based on average of 45.5 hours from 13th January 2005. (Core hours remain at 37.5 hours.)

Inner and Outer London Weighting will be increased by a minimum of 10% with effect from 13th January 2005. Furthermore there is a commitment to review the boundaries for London Weighting.

The constitution of the Joint Consultative Committee will be revised and will include procedural provisions in respect of the collective bargaining process – the company will no longer meet signatory unions individually.

The review date of the Agreement will be revised from the beginning of Period 3, i.e. March 2005 to the start of the Co-operative Group’s trading year i.e. 13th January 2005

The Co-op has also agreed to sit down with the GMB and T&G to resolve outstanding grievances arising out of this dispute.

GMB National Secretary Phil Davies said:

“This is a powerful victory for the GMB and the T&G. We have used traditional strikes backed up by modern web-based campaigning to make our case. The Co-op has tried to play down the effect of strikes, but managers have admitted privately that our efforts have been causing damage to their ‘brand’.

“We are recommending that GMB members vote for this improved offer. It’s time to see a successful conclusion to our dispute, which has remained strong because of the commitment and sacrifice of GMB and T&G members in solidarity.

“This places us in a good position to go forward with a positive agenda to improve the pay and conditions of all Funeralcare workers. It is an opportunity for all staff to join strong, effective unions and be part of our campaigns.”

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